Warmth ✔

Chapter 11

Silence hangs in the air as I continue
to drive on the road. I have no particular destination in mind. I just want us to talk with a clear mind and with no interruptions. That's why I got us away from our pack.

"Where are we going?" Alarick questions.

I reply, "I don't know."

He averts his gaze to his window.

"I want to talk to you about Lucy," I start. He looks at me and waits patiently. "Your concern for me is justified since I happen to be your mate. You want me to stay away from her but I can't promise that. I can only promise to be careful."

He doesn't look too happy with me.

"Look Alarick, I could've said that I would never meet Lucy just to please you but instead I decided to tell you the truth. And you should respect me for that. Am I asking too much from you?"

"No," he says. There's so many things running inside his head, things which he wants to say but decides not to. After a moment, he sighs. "Okay. If you want to be friends with Lucy then you can. But promise me that if you feel anything suspicious about her, you will inform me."

I nod. "I can promise that."

He takes my phone and saves his number. Now, I have his personal phone number. It feels weird. Maybe because it's a new development in our relationship.

I tap my fingers on the steering wheel. This silence is really killing me. Why don't we have something to talk about? Why are we quiet?

It's getting awkward so I move my hand towards the radio. Before I can switch it on, Alarick asks, "Would you like to go on a date with me?"

The question and the tone of politeness and hesitation make my eyeballs bulge out of their sockets. I suddenly stop the car. "What did you just say?"

"I've said exactly what you've heard," he says with a small smile.

"Don't you think it's too soon?" I ask with uncertainty.

He laughs. "Chriselda, it's been months since we realized that we are mates. Don't you think that we should get to know each other if we want to work on our relationship?"

I look at him for a moment. It's time to give our relationship a second chance. "Okay. I would love to go on a date with you."

He smiles. "So, see you tonight."

*

"Is this dress looking good on me?" I ask while analysing myself in the mirror. The body-hugging blue dress that I'm wearing was picked by Ciara. When she came to know that I was going on a date with Alarick, she went crazy. She also did my hair and makeup.

"Yes!" Ciara, Matt and Darius say in sync. Just then the doorbell rings.

"It must be Alarick," Darius says as he proceeds to open the front door.

My heart starts beating at a faster pace. "I think I'm having a panic attack," I say while placing my hand on my chest.

Ciara grabs my shoulders, "No, you're not. You're just too excited."

"I'm pretty sure that I'm having a panic attack," I tell her. "I've never been on a date. What if I screw up?"

"You won't screw up. Just relax," Matt assures me. "Try to enjoy the date." He gives me a gentle smile and I return the same. "Darius just mind-linked me, asking me why aren't you downstairs yet."

"I should probably go," I tell him. Ciara handles me my purse and I exit my room with my friends following me. As I descend the stairs, Alarick comes in my view. Seeing him in suit and tie makes my heart skip a beat. This is not the first time that I'm seeing him dressed formally but it's the first time that I'm seeing him through the eyes of a mate.

"You look beautiful," he says as he handles me a box of chocolates.

"Thank you." I give the chocolates to Ciara.

"Shall we?" Alarick gives his arm to me.

"Sure," I smile as I wrap my hand around his arm. I turn to my friends, "Bye guys."

"Enjoy," all of them say in sync.

Alarick and I proceed towards his car. He opens the door for me which leaves me surprised. I've never seen this side of him. It will take time for me to get used to it.

We both get inside the car and drive off.

"So, where are we going?" I start the conversation.

"It's a surprise," he cheeky says.

"I don't really like surprises."

"You will like this one," he says pretty confidently.

After driving for a while, our journey ended in front of a Chinese restaurant. "Surprise!" Alarick exclaims with a smile.